Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for drilling an orifice in a human cranium at an angle of substantially 90.degree. to a plane defined by a tangent to the surface of the cranium at the orifice. The apparatus comprises a first tubular guide for directing a drill at the proper angle, the first guide being suppored upon the cranium by a plurality of leg members. The invention further comprises a hand-operated twist drill device, configured for insertion into the tubular guide. A second guide, of reduced diameter relative to the first tubular guide is insertable into the first guide upon completion of the burr hole to facilitate entry of a catheter into the ventricular portion of the patient's brain. The method of the invention comprises positioning the first drill guide upon the patient's cranium, inserting the twist drill therein so as to prepare a burr hole extending at an angle of substantially 90.degree. to a plane tangential to the surface, replacing the drill with a catheter guide insertable within the drill guide and inserting a catheter through the second guide, through the burr hole and into a ventricular portion of the patient's brain.

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First Claim